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Huo LC, Liu NY, Wang CJ, Luo Y, Liu JX. Lonicera japonica protects Pelodiscus sinensis by inhibiting the biofilm formation of Aeromonas hydrophila. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:67. [PMID: 38183487 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12910-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Aquaculture has suffered significant financial losses as a result of the infection of zoonotic Aeromonas hydrophila, which has a high level of resistance to classic antibiotics. In this study, we isolated an A. hydrophila strain B3 from diseased soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), which is one of the most commercially significant freshwater farmed reptiles in East Asia, and found that A. hydrophila was its dominant pathogen. To better understand the inhibition effect and action mechanism of Chinese herbs on A. hydrophila, we conducted Chinese herbs screening and found that Lonicera japonica had a significant antibacterial effect on A. hydrophila B3. Experimental therapeutics of L. japonica on soft-shelled turtle showed that the supplement of 1% L. japonica to diet could significantly upregulate the immunity-related gene expression of soft-shelled turtle and protect soft-shelled turtle against A. hydrophila infection. Histopathological section results validated the protective effect of L. japonica. As the major effective component of L. japonica, chlorogenic acid demonstrated significant inhibitory effect on the growth of A. hydrophila with MIC at 6.4 mg/mL. The in vitro assay suggested that chlorogenic acid could inhibit the hemolysin/protease production and biofilm formation of A. hydrophila and significantly decrease the expression of quorum sensing, biofilm formation, and hemolysin-related genes in A. hydrophila. Our results showed that the Chinese herb L. japonica would be a promising candidate for the treatment of A. hydrophila infections in aquaculture, and it not only improves the immune response of aquatic animals but also inhibits the virulence factor (such as biofilm formation) expression of A. hydrophila. KEY POINTS: • A. hydrophila was the dominant pathogen of the diseased soft-shelled turtle. • L. japonica can protect soft-shelled turtle against A. hydrophila infection. • Chlorogenic acid inhibits the growth and biofilm formation of A. hydrophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chao Huo
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Nai-Yu Liu
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chao-Jie Wang
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Luo
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Jing-Xia Liu
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Ardente A, Toddes B, Schultz RL. Nutritional Considerations for Juvenile Exotic Companion Animals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2024; 27:449-463. [PMID: 38030515 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2023.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric exotic companion animal nutrition is a broad topic, spanning small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Little research has been performed focusing on the juvenile life stages of these species because they are largely acquired by clients at the young adult stage. The information that does exist has been compiled by wildlife rehabilitators, commercial breeders, and/or exotic captive breeding programs, such as those that exist in zoologic facilities. In this article, we discuss natural history, feeding strategies, energy requirements, digestive physiology and diet digestibility, and key nutrients of concern as factors for determining an appropriate diet for pediatric exotic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Ardente
- Ardente Veterinary Nutrition LLC, 399 Southeast 90th Street, Ocala, FL 34480, USA.
| | - Barbara Toddes
- Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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3
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Latney LV. Updates for Reptile Pediatric Medicine. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2024; 27:379-409. [PMID: 38097491 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The health of hatchling, juvenile, and young adult reptiles continues to be plagued by historic nutritional deficiencies, old and emerging infectious diseases, and more recent phenotype-selective congenital abnormalities that impact welfare. Knowledge of mating seasonality, average egg counts, gestation times, and age and/or size for sexual maturity is necessary to help guide best practices for care of pediatric reptiles. Calcium, vitamin D3, and ultraviolet B (UVB) lighting recommendations vary in effectiveness amongst different species and can change with age. Phenotype-selective color patterns for spider ball pythons and scalation pattern for bearded dragons have resulted in vestibular disease, and increased evaporative water loss, respectively. Salmonellosis remains the most reported zoonotic disease for captive reptiles in the United States, despite improvements in client education and improvements in captive reptile husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- La'Toya V Latney
- Avian and Exotic Medicine & Surgery, The Animal Medical Center, 510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Lenharo M. Do insects have an inner life? Animal consciousness needs a rethink. Nature 2024; 629:14-15. [PMID: 38653828 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01144-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
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Doherty TS, Macdonald KJ, Nimmo DG, Santos JL, Geary WL. Shifting fire regimes cause continent-wide transformation of threatened species habitat. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316417121. [PMID: 38648477 PMCID: PMC11067043 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316417121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human actions are causing widespread increases in fire size, frequency, and severity in diverse ecosystems globally. This alteration of fire regimes is considered a threat to numerous animal species, but empirical evidence of how fire regimes are shifting within both threatened species' ranges and protected areas is scarce, particularly at large spatial and temporal scales. We used a big data approach to quantify multidecadal changes in fire regimes in southern Australia from 1980 to 2021, spanning 415 reserves (21.5 million ha) and 129 threatened species' ranges including birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and frogs. Most reserves and threatened species' ranges within the region have experienced declines in unburnt vegetation (≥30 y without fire), increases in recently burnt vegetation (≤5 y since fire), and increases in fire frequency. The mean percentage of unburnt vegetation within reserves declined from 61 to 36% (1980 to 2021), whereas the mean percentage of recently burnt vegetation increased from 20 to 35%, and mean fire frequency increased by 32%, with the latter two trends primarily driven by the record-breaking 2019 to 2020 fire season. The strongest changes occurred for high-elevation threatened species, and reserves of high elevation, high productivity, and strong rainfall decline, particularly in the southeast of the continent. Our results provide evidence for the widely held but poorly tested assumption that threatened species are experiencing widespread declines in unburnt habitat and increases in fire frequency. This underscores the imperative for developing management strategies that conserve fire-threatened species in an increasingly fiery future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
| | - Kristina J. Macdonald
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC3125, Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW2640, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW2640, Australia
| | - Julianna L. Santos
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3010, Australia
| | - William L. Geary
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC3125, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3010, Australia
- Biodiversity Strategy and Planning Branch, Biodiversity Division, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, East Melbourne, VIC3002, Australia
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Loeb J. High-priority antibiotic overused in reptiles. Vet Rec 2024; 194:284. [PMID: 38639223 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
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Lomax DR, de la Salle P, Perillo M, Reynolds J, Reynolds R, Waldron JF. The last giants: New evidence for giant Late Triassic (Rhaetian) ichthyosaurs from the UK. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300289. [PMID: 38630678 PMCID: PMC11023487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Giant ichthyosaurs with body length estimates exceeding 20 m were present in the latest Triassic of the UK. Here we report on the discovery of a second surangular from the lower jaw of a giant ichthyosaur from Somerset, UK. The new find is comparable in size and morphology to a specimen from Lilstock, Somerset, described in 2018, but it is more complete and better preserved. Both finds are from the uppermost Triassic Westbury Mudstone Formation (Rhaetian), but the new specimen comes from Blue Anchor, approximately 10 km west along the coast from Lilstock. The more complete surangular would have been >2 m long, from an individual with a body length estimated at ~25 m. The identification of two specimens with the same unique morphology and from the same geologic age and geographic location warrants the erection of a new genus and species, Ichthyotitan severnensis gen. et sp. nov. Thin sections of the new specimen revealed the same histological features already observed in similar giant ichthyosaurian specimens. Our data also supports the previous suggestion of an atypical osteogenesis in the lower jaws of giant ichthyosaurs. The geological age and giant size of the specimens suggest shastasaurid affinities, but the material is too incomplete for a definitive referral. Ichthyotitan severnensis gen. et sp. nov., is the first-named giant ichthyosaur from the Rhaetian and probably represents the largest marine reptile formally described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean R. Lomax
- Palaeobiology Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul de la Salle
- The Etches Collection – Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - Marcello Perillo
- Paleontology division, Institute of Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - James F. Waldron
- Dinosaurs Will Always Be Awesome, DWABA Museum, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
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Jamison-Todd S, Mannion PD, Glover AG, Upchurch P. New occurrences of the bone-eating worm Osedax from Late Cretaceous marine reptiles and implications for its biogeography and diversification. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232830. [PMID: 38593847 PMCID: PMC11003772 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The bone-eating worm Osedax is a speciose and globally distributed clade, primarily found on whale carcasses in marine environments. The earliest fossil evidence for Osedax borings was previously described in plesiosaur and sea turtle bones from the mid-Cretaceous of the United Kingdom, representing the only unequivocal pre-Oligocene occurrences. Confirming through CT scanning, we present new evidence of Osedax borings in three plesiosaur specimens and, for the first time, identify borings in two mosasaur specimens. All specimens are from the Late Cretaceous: one from the Cenomanian of the United Kingdom, two from the Campanian of the southeastern United States, and two from the Maastrichtian of Belgium. This extends the geographic range of Osedax in the Cretaceous to both sides of the northern Atlantic Ocean. The bones contain five borehole morphotypes, potentially created by different species of Osedax, with the Cenomanian specimen containing three morphotypes within a single tooth. This combined evidence of heightened species diversity by the Cenomanian and broad geographic range by the Campanian potentially indicates an earlier origin and diversification for this clade than previously hypothesized. Preservational biases indicate that Osedax was probably even more widely distributed and speciose in the Cretaceous than apparent in the fossil record.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jamison-Todd
- Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Philip D. Mannion
- Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Paul Upchurch
- Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Shankey NT, Cohen RE. Neural control of reproduction in reptiles. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2024; 341:307-321. [PMID: 38247297 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Reptiles display considerable diversity in reproductive behavior, making them great models to study the neuroendocrine control of reproductive behavior. Many reptile species are seasonally breeding, such that they become reproductively active during their breeding season and regress to a nonreproductive state during their nonbreeding season, with this transition often prompted by environmental cues. In this review, we will focus on summarizing the neural and neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling reproductive behavior. Three major areas of the brain are involved in reproductive behavior: the preoptic area (POA), amygdala, and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). The POA and VMH are sexually dimorphic areas, regulating behaviors in males and females respectively, and all three areas display seasonal plasticity. Lesions to these areas disrupt the onset and maintenance of reproductive behaviors, but the exact roles of these regions vary between sexes and species. Different hormones influence these regions to elicit seasonal transitions. Circulating testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) peak during the breeding season and their influence on reproduction is well-documented across vertebrates. The conversion of T into E2 and 5α-dihydrotestosterone can also affect behavior. Melatonin and corticosterone have generally inhibitory effects on reproductive behavior, while serotonin and other neurohormones seem to stimulate it. In general, there is relatively little information on the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in reptiles compared to other vertebrate groups. This review highlights areas that should be considered for future areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T Shankey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rachel E Cohen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, Minnesota, USA
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10
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles. Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126066. [PMID: 38442435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Billman ZP, Kovacs SB, Wei B, Kang K, Cissé OH, Miao EA. Caspase-1 activates gasdermin A in non-mammals. eLife 2024; 12:RP92362. [PMID: 38497531 PMCID: PMC10948149 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Gasdermins oligomerize to form pores in the cell membrane, causing regulated lytic cell death called pyroptosis. Mammals encode five gasdermins that can trigger pyroptosis: GSDMA, B, C, D, and E. Caspase and granzyme proteases cleave the linker regions of and activate GSDMB, C, D, and E, but no endogenous activation pathways are yet known for GSDMA. Here, we perform a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the gasdermin family. A gene duplication of GSDMA in the common ancestor of caecilian amphibians, reptiles, and birds gave rise to GSDMA-D in mammals. Uniquely in our tree, amphibian, reptile, and bird GSDMA group in a separate clade than mammal GSDMA. Remarkably, GSDMA in numerous bird species contain caspase-1 cleavage sites like YVAD or FASD in the linker. We show that GSDMA from birds, amphibians, and reptiles are all cleaved by caspase-1. Thus, GSDMA was originally cleaved by the host-encoded protease caspase-1. In mammals the caspase-1 cleavage site in GSDMA is disrupted; instead, a new protein, GSDMD, is the target of caspase-1. Mammal caspase-1 uses exosite interactions with the GSDMD C-terminal domain to confer the specificity of this interaction, whereas we show that bird caspase-1 uses a stereotypical tetrapeptide sequence to confer specificity for bird GSDMA. Our results reveal an evolutionarily stable association between caspase-1 and the gasdermin family, albeit a shifting one. Caspase-1 repeatedly changes its target gasdermin over evolutionary time at speciation junctures, initially cleaving GSDME in fish, then GSDMA in amphibians/reptiles/birds, and finally GSDMD in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Paul Billman
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Pathology; and Cell Biology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Stephen Bela Kovacs
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Pathology; and Cell Biology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Pathology; and Cell Biology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
| | - Kidong Kang
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Pathology; and Cell Biology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
| | - Ousmane H Cissé
- Critical Care Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterBethesdaUnited States
| | - Edward A Miao
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Pathology; and Cell Biology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
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Bayliss J, Bittencourt-Silva GB, Branch WR, Bruessow C, Collins S, Congdon TCE, Conradie W, Curran M, Daniels SR, Darbyshire I, Farooq H, Fishpool L, Grantham G, Magombo Z, Matimele H, Monadjem A, Monteiro J, Osborne J, Saunders J, Smith P, Spottiswoode CN, Taylor PJ, Timberlake J, Tolley KA, Tovela É, Platts PJ. A biogeographical appraisal of the threatened South East Africa Montane Archipelago ecoregion. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5971. [PMID: 38472297 PMCID: PMC10933300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54671-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent biological surveys of ancient inselbergs in southern Malawi and northern Mozambique have led to the discovery and description of many species new to science, and overlapping centres of endemism across multiple taxa. Combining these endemic taxa with data on geology and climate, we propose the 'South East Africa Montane Archipelago' (SEAMA) as a distinct ecoregion of global biological importance. The ecoregion encompasses 30 granitic inselbergs reaching > 1000 m above sea level, hosting the largest (Mt Mabu) and smallest (Mt Lico) mid-elevation rainforests in southern Africa, as well as biologically unique montane grasslands. Endemic taxa include 127 plants, 45 vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and 45 invertebrate species (butterflies, freshwater crabs), and two endemic genera of plants and reptiles. Existing dated phylogenies of endemic animal lineages suggests this endemism arose from divergence events coinciding with repeated isolation of these mountains from the pan-African forests, together with the mountains' great age and relative climatic stability. Since 2000, the SEAMA has lost 18% of its primary humid forest cover (up to 43% in some sites)-one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa. Urgently rectifying this situation, while addressing the resource needs of local communities, is a global priority for biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Bayliss
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
- African Butterfly Research Institute, P.O. Box 14308, Nairobi, 0800, Kenya.
- Rede Para Gestão Comunitária de Recursos Naturais (ReGeCom), Maputo, Mozambique.
| | | | - William R Branch
- Port Elizabeth Museum (Bayworld), P.O. Box 13147, Humewood, 6013, South Africa
| | - Carl Bruessow
- Mount Mulanje Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 139, Mulanje, Malawi
| | - Steve Collins
- African Butterfly Research Institute, P.O. Box 14308, Nairobi, 0800, Kenya
| | - T Colin E Congdon
- African Butterfly Research Institute, P.O. Box 14308, Nairobi, 0800, Kenya
| | - Werner Conradie
- Port Elizabeth Museum (Bayworld), P.O. Box 13147, Humewood, 6013, South Africa
- Department of Nature Conservation Management, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, George, South Africa
| | - Michael Curran
- Department of Food System Science, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, P.O. Box 219, 5070, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Savel R Daniels
- Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | | | - Harith Farooq
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Mozambique
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lincoln Fishpool
- BirdLife International, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Geoffrey Grantham
- Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zacharia Magombo
- National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Hermenegildo Matimele
- Herbarium, Instituto de Investigaçao Agraria de Moçambique, P.O.Box 3658, Maputo, Mozambique
- DICE, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ, UK
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 163 Orlando Mendes Street, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Jose Monteiro
- Rede Para Gestão Comunitária de Recursos Naturais (ReGeCom), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jo Osborne
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Justin Saunders
- Africa Bees Ltd, Belgrave House, 39-43 Monument Hill, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8RN, UK
| | - Paul Smith
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), 199 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3BW, UK
| | - Claire N Spottiswoode
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter J Taylor
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- Afromontane Research Unit and Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Krystal A Tolley
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, Private Bag X7, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
| | - Érica Tovela
- Museu de História Natural, Praça Travessia do Zambeze, 104, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Philip J Platts
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Wentworth Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5NG, UK
- BeZero Carbon Ltd, 25 Christopher Street, London, E2, UK
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Gray JA, Gignac PM, Stanley EL. The first full body diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography dataset and teaching materials for a member of the Testudines. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:535-548. [PMID: 37409685 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (diceCT) is now a widely used technique for imaging metazoan soft anatomy. Turtles present a particular challenge for anatomists; gross dissection is inherently destructive and irreversible, whereas their near complete shell of bony plates, covered with keratinous scutes, presents a barrier for iodine diffusion and significantly increases contrast-enhanced CT preparation time. Consequently, a complete dataset visualizing the internal soft anatomy of turtles at high resolution and in three dimensions has not yet been successfully achieved. Here we outline a novel method that augments traditional diceCT preparation with an iodine injection technique to acquire the first full body contrast-enhanced dataset for the Testudines. We show this approach to be an effective method of staining the soft tissues inside the shell. The resulting datasets were processed to produce anatomical 3D models that can be used in teaching and research. As diceCT becomes a widely employed method for nondestructively documenting the internal soft anatomy of alcohol preserved museum specimens, we hope that methods applicable to the more challenging of these, such as turtles, will contribute toward the growing stock of digital anatomy in online repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimi A Gray
- Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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14
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McCreesh K, Guthrie AL, Spiro S, Patterson S. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RETROSPECTIVE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY STUDIES ON CAPTIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:1-12. [PMID: 38453482 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Zoological institutions manage animals for conservation, education, entertainment, and research purposes. Zoological staff have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of animals in their care. Retrospective morbidity and/or mortality studies (MMSs) can be useful tools to highlight common diseases in captive wildlife populations. There is currently no standardized methodology for conducting MMSs. Variation in the methodology of MMSs, particularly the categorization of diseases, can make comparisons between studies challenging and may limit the applicability of the results. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) compliant systematic review was performed, which identified 67 MMSs describing 146 species of captive wildlife. These MMSs are becoming more common and were predominantly performed on mammals (76/146). Prospective authors are encouraged to perform MMSs on amphibians, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. The studied animals were mostly managed at institutions in the United States of America (28/67, 41.2%) and Europe (14/67, 20.9%). Classifying individuals into age groups facilitates the identification of disease trends within age classes. Only 22/67 (32.8%) studies cited justification for their age classification; classifications should be based on a referenced source on the breeding biology of the studied species. There is variation in the body systems used by authors and into which system a disease is categorized, which makes study comparisons challenging. Diseases were predominantly categorized by etiology and body system (28/77, 36.4%). Because of its ubiquity, the use of the categorization system employed by the pathology module of the Zoological Information Management System is recommended as a useful standard. This system is imperfect, and amendments to it are suggested. The results and recommendations of this study were discussed with a panel of zoo and wildlife experts; guidelines have been formulated for prospective authors aiming to conduct MMSs in captive wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle McCreesh
- Wildlife Health, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom,
| | - Amanda L Guthrie
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Spiro
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Patterson
- Wildlife Health, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
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15
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Zeng JL, Chen HX, Ni XF, Kang JY, Li L. Molecular phylogeny of the family Rhabdiasidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida), with morphology, genetic characterization and mitochondrial genomes of Rhabdias kafunata and R. bufonis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:100. [PMID: 38429838 PMCID: PMC10908064 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06201-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The family Rhabdiasidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) is a globally distributed group of nematode parasites, with over 110 species parasitic mainly in amphibians and reptiles. However, the systematic position of the family Rhabdiasidae in the order Rhabditida remains unsolved, and the evolutionary relationships among its genera are still unclear. Moreover, the present knowledge of the mitochondrial genomes of rhabdiasids remains limited. METHODS Two rhabdiasid species: Rhabdias kafunata Sata, Takeuchi & Nakano, 2020 and R. bufonis (Schrank, 1788) collected from the Asiatic toad Bufo gargarizans Cantor (Amphibia: Anura) in China, were identified based on morphology (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular characterization (sequencing of the nuclear 28S and ITS regions and mitochondrial cox1 and 12S genes). The complete mitochondrial genomes of R. kafunata and R. bufonis were also sequenced and annotated for the first time. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the mitochondrial genomes were performed to clarify the systematic position of the family Rhabdiasidae in the order Rhabditida using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). The phylogenetic analyses based on the 28S + ITS sequences, were also inferred to assess the evolutionary relationships among the genera within Rhabdiasidae. RESULTS The detailed morphology of the cephalic structures, vulva and eggs in R. kafunata and R. bufonis was revealed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the first time. The characterization of 28S and ITS regions of R. kafunata was reported for the first time. The mitogenomes of R. kafunata and R. bufonis are 15,437 bp and 15,128 bp long, respectively, and both contain 36 genes, including 12 PCGs (missing atp8). Comparative mitogenomics revealed that the gene arrangement of R. kafunata and R. bufonis is different from all of the currently available mitogenomes of nematodes. Phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS + 28S data showed Neoentomelas and Kurilonema as sister lineages, and supported the monophyly of Entomelas, Pneumonema, Serpentirhabdias and Rhabdias. Mitochondrial phylogenomic results supported Rhabdiasidae as a member of the superfamily Rhabditoidea in the suborder Rhabditina, and its occurrance as sister to the family Rhabditidae. CONCLUSIONS The complete mitochondrial genome of R. kafunata and R. bufonis were reported for the first time, and two new gene arrangements of mitogenomes in Nematoda were revealed. Mitogenomic phylogenetic results indicated that the family Rhabdiasidae is a member of Rhabditoidea in Rhabditina, and is closely related to Rhabditidae. Molecular phylogenies based on the ITS + 28S sequence data supported the validity of Kurilonema, and showed that Kurilonema is sister to Neoentomelas. The present phylogenetic results also indicated that the ancestors of rhabdiasids seem to have initially infected reptiles, then spreading to amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lu Zeng
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment; College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline Cell Biology; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Xia Chen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment; College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Feng Ni
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment; College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yi Kang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment; College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment; College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
- Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline Cell Biology; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Abstract
Tim Roth and Aaron Krochmal discuss reptile cognition in an integrative and comparative light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Roth
- Franklin and Marshall College, Department of Psychology, PO Box 3003, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA.
| | - Aaron R Krochmal
- Washington College, Department of Biology, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620, USA
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17
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Arguedas R. On the significance of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase in wild reptile health studies. J Comp Physiol B 2024; 194:47-51. [PMID: 38321291 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01535-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
In reptile medicine, the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) have been used in clinical diagnostics, where CK is considered an enzyme specific to muscle cell damage, while AST is a nonspecific enzyme that is mainly produced in the liver and muscle. When many native reptiles are sampled, it is evident that there are important differences between species and individuals belonging to the same species, making the AST and CK ranges very wide. The minimum and maximum values, variations and standard deviations were extracted for each enzyme from 17 wild reptile studies, revealing high variation and a wide range of variation for each species. AST and CK must be interpreted with caution in wild reptiles since there appears to be an important amount of individual and specific variation due to the muscular origin of these enzymes, and such variations tell us that there are considerable differences between individuals, physiological characteristics or sampling methods; thus, there is no apparent value derived from these kinds of studies on the utility of AST for evaluating liver damage, but the measurement of AST and CK can be useful for reptile health assessments or any manipulative study since they can eventually be used as indicators or potential biomarkers for restraint techniques or holding time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall Arguedas
- VetLab, San José, Costa Rica.
- Universidad Tecnica Nacional, Sede Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica.
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18
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Yamagishi G, Miyagawa S. Neuroendocrinology of Reproduction and Social Behaviors in Reptiles: Advances Made in the Last Decade. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:87-96. [PMID: 38587521 DOI: 10.2108/zs230060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Among amniotes, reptiles are ectothermic and are clearly distinguished from mammals and birds. Reptiles show great diversity not only in species numbers, but also in ecological and physiological features. Although their physiological diversity is an interesting research topic, less effort has been made compared to that for mammals and birds, in part due to lack of established experimental models and techniques. However, progress, especially in the field of neuroendocrinology, has been steadily made. With this process, basic data on selected reptilian species have been collected. This review article presents the progress made in the last decade, which includes 1) behavioral regulation by sex steroid hormones, 2) regulation of seasonal reproduction by melatonin and GnRH, and 3) regulation of social interaction by arginine vasotocin. Through these research topics, we provide insights into the physiology of reptiles and the latest findings in the field of amniote neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genki Yamagishi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan,
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan,
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19
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Bilby J, Moseby K. Review of hyperdispersal in wildlife translocations. Conserv Biol 2024; 38:e14083. [PMID: 36919937 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Species translocation is a common tool to reverse biodiversity loss, but it has a high failure rate. One factor that contributes to failure is postrelease hyperdispersal, which we define as the long-distance movement of individuals resulting in their failure to contribute to population establishment. We reviewed reported incidences of hyperdispersal and compared rates of hyperdispersal among taxa, population demographics, release cohorts, and success of mitigation techniques. Of 151 conservation translocations (reinforcements and reintroductions) in which animals were tracked, hyperdispersal was confirmed in 52.1% of programs. The prevalence of hyperdispersal (percentage of studies) was relatively consistent across taxa (42.9-60%), but hyperdispersal rates in birds were likely underestimated because 76.9% of bird translocations showed incidences in which birds could not be located after release, but hyperdispersal was unable to be confirmed. Eutherians exhibited a higher average incidence of hyperdispersal (percentage of hyperdispersing individuals in a cohort) of 20.2% than birds, reptiles, and marsupials (10.4%, 15.7%, and 10.3%, respectively). No significant trends were observed for sex, source population, or translocation type, but there were nonsignificant trends for males to hyperdisperse more than females and for higher incidences of hyperdispersal in reinforcements relative to reintroduction programs. Mitigation techniques included temporary confinement, supplementation of resources, and releasing animals in social groups, but only half of studies examining mitigation techniques found them useful. Hyperdispersal incidence was variable within taxa, and we advise against forming translocations strategies based on results from other species. Hyperdispersal is a significant welfare, economic, and conservation issue in translocations, and we suggest definitions, reporting, and experimental strategies to address it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Bilby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Chervy L. Manual for the study of tapeworms (Cestoda) parasitic in ray-finned fish, amphibians and reptiles. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2024; 71:2024.001. [PMID: 38334295 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2024.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Based on long-term and often frustrating experiences with the poor quality of tapeworms (Cestoda) collected throughout the world for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, and considering the increasing obstacles to obtaining new material, a simple, easy-to-use and illustrated methodological guide (manual) is provided. It focusses mainly on key steps in examining hosts, collecting cestodes from poikilothermous vertebrates except elasmobranchs, i.e., from ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii), amphibians and 'reptiles' (a paraphyletic group comprising all sauropsids except birds), and fixing them for subsequent morphological and molecular study. It is proposed that the following methodological points should be followed: (i) ideally only freshly euthanised hosts (not previously frozen) should be used for parasitological examination; (ii) hosts examined should be documented by photographs; host tissue should also be preserved for future genotyping if necessary; (iii) tapeworms should be detached carefully to keep the scolex intact and properly cleaned before fixation; (iv) a small piece of cestode tissue should be always preserved in molecular grade ethanol for DNA sequencing; (v) tapeworms should be fixed as quickly as possible after collecting them and while they are still alive, always using hot (heated) fixatives; this prevents unnatural contraction or deformation and ensures uniform fixation; (vi) each sample (vial) should be properly labelled (a unique code should be given to every cestode sample); (vii) vouchers of sequenced specimens (hologenophores or paragenophores) should always be preserved for identification, and deposited in internationally recognised collections. It is hoped that this guide helps researchers and students to properly process valuable material of cestodes to make it suitable for reliable identification including genotyping and comparative anatomy, which is a prerequisite for any subsequent ecological, biogeographical, phylogenetic life cycle or molecular study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenta Chervy
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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21
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Zhu J, Wang Y, Chen C, Ji L, Hong X, Liu X, Chen H, Wei C, Zhu X, Li W. Identification of Sex-Specific Markers and Candidate Genes Using WGS Sequencing Reveals a ZW-Type Sex-Determination System in the Chinese Soft-Shell Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:819. [PMID: 38255893 PMCID: PMC10815769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Male and female Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) have sex-dimorphic growth patterns, and males have higher commercial value because of their larger size and thicker calipash. Thus, developing sex-specific markers is beneficial to studies on all-male breeding in P. sinensis. Here, we developed an accurate and efficient workflow for the screening of sex-specific sequences with ZW or XY sex determination systems. Based on this workflow, female and male P. sinensis reference genomes of 2.23 Gb and 2.26 Gb were obtained using de novo assembly. After aligning and filtering, 4.01 Mb female-specific sequences were finally identified. Subsequently, the seven developed sex-specific primer pairs were 100% accurate in preliminary, population, and embryonic validation. The presence and absence of bands for the primers of P44, P45, P66, P67, P68, and P69, as well as two and one bands for the PB1 primer, indicate that the embryos are genetically female and male, respectively. NR and functional annotations identified several sex-determining candidate genes and related pathways, including Ran, Eif4et, and Crkl genes, and the insulin signaling pathway and the cAMP signaling pathway, respectively. Collectively, our results reveal that a ZW-type sex-determination system is present in P. sinensis and provide novel insights for the screening of sex-specific markers, sex-control breeding, and the studies of the sex determination mechanism of P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxian Zhu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Yongchang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Liqin Ji
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Xiaoyou Hong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Haigang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Chengqing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Xinping Zhu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Wei Li
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resources Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China; (Y.W.); (C.C.); (L.J.); (X.H.); (X.L.); (H.C.); (C.W.)
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22
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de Magalhães JP. The longevity bottleneck hypothesis: Could dinosaurs have shaped ageing in present-day mammals? Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300098. [PMID: 38018264 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The evolution and biodiversity of ageing have long fascinated scientists and the public alike. While mammals, including long-lived species such as humans, show a marked ageing process, some species of reptiles and amphibians exhibit very slow and even the absence of ageing phenotypes. How can reptiles and other vertebrates age slower than mammals? Herein, I propose that evolving during the rule of the dinosaurs left a lasting legacy in mammals. For over 100 million years when dinosaurs were the dominant predators, mammals were generally small, nocturnal, and short-lived. My hypothesis is that such a long evolutionary pressure on early mammals for rapid reproduction led to the loss or inactivation of genes and pathways associated with long life. I call this the 'longevity bottleneck hypothesis', which is further supported by the absence in mammals of regenerative traits. Although mammals, such as humans, can evolve long lifespans, they do so under constraints dating to the dinosaur era.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro de Magalhães
- Genomics of Ageing and Rejuvenation Lab, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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23
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Lamar SK, Frank HK, La Flamme A, Gartrell B, Ormsby D, Nelson N. The effects of annual cycle, source population, and body condition on leukocyte profile and immune challenge in a basal reptile, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2024; 341:60-72. [PMID: 37921244 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Leukocyte profiles are broadly used to assess the health status of many species. Reference intervals, and an understanding of the factors that may influence these intervals, are necessary for adequate interpretation of leukograms. Using a data set that spans over three decades, we investigated variation in leukocyte profile in several populations of the evolutionarily unique reptile, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). To do this, we first established reference intervals for each leukocyte type according to best practices. Next, we determined that source population and sampling date were the two most important predictors of leukocyte makeup. We found significant differences in the ratio of heterophils: lymphocytes (H:L) between populations, with tuatara on the more resource-stressed sampling island having a significantly higher ratio of H:L. Finally, we found that sampling location, sex, and life stage did not explain variation in the responses of tuatara to stimulation with Concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide in both 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-di-phenyltetrazolium bromide and Griess assay experiments. Our results offer important insight into the function of leukocytes in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Lamar
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Hannah K Frank
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anne La Flamme
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brett Gartrell
- Wildbase, Tāwharau Ora, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Diane Ormsby
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Nicola Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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24
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Wunderlich S, Griffiths T, Baines F. UVB-emitting LEDs for reptile lighting: Identifying the risks of nonsolar UV spectra. Zoo Biol 2024; 43:61-74. [PMID: 37870081 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
UVB lamps are used to provide reptiles housed indoors with the UV radiation necessary to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin. Since 2019, UVB-LED lamps have been on sale for use in reptile husbandry. We performed spectral analysis and mapped the UV irradiance for 18 of these lamps. The positive benefits of UVB-LED lamps over traditional products include greater energy efficiency, freedom from mercury and easy installation without external ballasts. However, the spectra of all the UVB-LED lamps tested had little similarity to the solar UV spectrum. Some lamps emitted short-wavelength, non-terrestrial, radiation known to cause acute photo-kerato-conjunctivitis; we report one case. All lamps were lacking significant output in the range 315-335 nm, essential for natural self-regulation of cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis, preventing overproduction. We describe a possible risk of serious hypervitaminosis D based on our spectral analysis. We call for long-term animal studies to assess this risk, in which the reptiles under these lamps are exposed to species-appropriate UV index levels according to their Ferguson Zone allocation and serum levels of vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D3 monitored. Spectral modifications of the lamps to make the spectrum more like sunlight may be an essential way of mitigating this risk.
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Abstract
In Mexico, there are no official public and reliably reported data on the total number and species of non-human animals used for scientific purposes. The aim of the current study was to calculate the total numbers of animals used for scientific and educational purposes in Mexico, from January 2015 to October 2021, based on data requested from the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI, in Spanish). In this period, authorised laboratory animal facilities reported the use of 5,437,263 animals for scientific and educational purposes. However, these data should be viewed with caution, since there is no official register of all Mexican institutions that use animals for these purposes. The use of various species of different taxonomic groups was reported, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. The main scientific purposes of this animal use were: technological development; innovation; laboratory testing; production of biologicals; quality control; diagnostic purposes; basic and applied research; and education. A robust system for the licensing and approval of animal use, as well as a means to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations, are both urgently required. In addition, in order to regulate animal use, monitor animal care and protect their welfare, the creation of a publicly accessible national database that records the number and species of the animals used is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Frías-Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Filosóficas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Ortiz-Millán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Filosóficas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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26
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Ray EJ, Maruska KP. Sensory Mechanisms of Parent-Offspring Recognition in Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1168-1181. [PMID: 37488679 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Parental care is important for offspring survival and success. Recognition of offspring by parents is critical to ensure parents direct care behaviors at related offspring and minimize energy lost by caring for unrelated young. Offspring recognition of parents prevents possible aggressive interactions between young and unrelated adults and allows offspring to direct begging behaviors toward the correct adult. Despite its importance and widespread nature, much of the current research has focused on a small range of species, particularly mammals and birds. We review the existing literature on the sensory mechanisms of parent-offspring recognition in fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. Within these groups, there is diversity in the presence and strategies for parent-offspring recognition. Future studies should continue to identify these mechanisms, as well as the neural and endocrine underpinnings in non-model organisms to expand our knowledge of this behavior and inform our understanding of the evolution of parent-offspring recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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27
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Zhou T, Cao J, Chen G, Wang Y, Zou G, Liang H. Role of Sox3 in Estradiol-Induced Sex Reversal in Pelodiscus sinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:248. [PMID: 38203425 PMCID: PMC10779075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, an economically important species in China, exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. Males are more valuable than females owing to their wider calipash and faster growth. Estradiol (E2)-induced sex reversal is used to achieve all-male breeding of turtles; however, the mechanism of this sex reversal remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the Sox3 gene, whose expression level was high in the gonads and brain and exhibited significant sexual dimorphism in the ovary. During embryonic development, Sox3 was highly expressed at the initiation of ovarian differentiation. E2 and Sox3-RNAi treatment before sexual differentiation led to 1352, 908, 990, 1011, and 975 differentially expressed genes in five developmental stages, respectively, compared with only E2 treatment. The differentially expressed genes were clustered into 20 classes. The continuously downregulated and upregulated genes during gonadal differentiation were categorized into Class 0 (n = 271) and Class 19 (n = 606), respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that Sox3 significantly affected sexual differentiation via the Wnt, TGF-β, and TNF signaling pathways and mRNA surveillance pathway. The expression of genes involved in these signaling pathways, such as Dkk4, Nog, Msi1, and Krt14, changed significantly during gonadal differentiation. In conclusion, the deletion of Sox3 may lead to significant upregulation of the mRNA surveillance pathway and TNF and Ras signaling pathways and downregulation of the Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways, inhibiting E2-induced sex reversal. These findings suggest that Sox3 may play a certain promoting effect during E2-induced sex reversal in P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Jizeng Cao
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guobin Chen
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Yubin Wang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Guiwei Zou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
| | - Hongwei Liang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China; (T.Z.); (J.C.); (G.C.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
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Song Z, Griesser M, Schuppli C, van Schaik CP. Does the expensive brain hypothesis apply to amphibians and reptiles? BMC Ecol Evol 2023; 23:77. [PMID: 38114918 PMCID: PMC10729550 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02188-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate brains show extensive variation in relative size. The expensive brain hypothesis argues that one important source of this variation is linked to a species' ability to generate the energy required to sustain the brain, especially during periods of unavoidable food scarcity. Here we ask whether this hypothesis, tested so far in endothermic vertebrates, also applies to ectotherms, where ambient temperature is an additional major aspect of energy balance. Phylogenetic comparative analyses of reptiles and amphibians support the hypothesis. First, relative brain size increases with higher body temperature in those species active during the day that can gain free energy by basking. Second, relative brain size is smaller among nocturnal species, which generally face less favorable energy budgets, especially when maintaining high body temperature. However, we do not find an effect of seasonal variation in ambient temperature or food on brain size, unlike in endotherms. We conclude that the factors affecting energy balance in ectotherms and endotherms are overlapping but not identical. We therefore discuss the idea that when body temperatures are seasonally very low, cognitive benefits may be thwarted and selection on larger brain size may be rare. Indeed, mammalian hibernators may show similarities to ectotherms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitan Song
- Comparative Socioecology group, Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, 78467, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Michael Griesser
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78467, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78467, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Collective Behavior, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78467, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Caroline Schuppli
- Development and Evolution of Cognition Group, Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, 78467, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Carel P van Schaik
- Comparative Socioecology group, Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, 78467, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of language Evolution, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
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Firmino Carvalho-Roel C, Iannini-Custódio AE, Marçal Júnior O, Grilo C. The spatial, climatic and temporal factors influencing roadkill change according to the taxonomic level. J Environ Manage 2023; 348:119221. [PMID: 37913600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Roads are the second largest anthropogenic cause of mortality for most vertebrates. Previous research has analyzed the factors influencing roadkill either by species or by group of species based on some species-specific characteristics. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding on the consistency of findings within and between taxa, it is necessary to conduct an analysis that encompasses both individual species and group of species. This study aims to assess the role of taxonomic level in determining the spatial, climatic and temporal drivers using roadkill data for 70 species. We used generalized linear models to examine the association between roadkill and land cover and climate across 26 individual species and groups of reptiles, birds and mammals. Temporal patterns were evaluated using circular statistics. Our study revealed variations in spatial, climatic and temporal factors among taxa. For reptiles, spatial patterns differed between the class/order and species level, while climatic and temporal patterns remained consistent among these taxonomic levels. Spatial and climatic patterns were not consistent between class, order and associated species for birds and mammals. Temporal patterns, on the other hand, were consistent between each order and its associated species. In general, we found that roadkill incidence was positively associated with silviculture and agriculture cover as well as proximity of rivers. Accumulated insolation and mean minimum temperature were positively associated with roadkill, while mean temperature exhibited a negative association. Our study emphasizes the importance of analyzing roadkill variables on a species-specific basis. In the case of endangered species with low roadkill rates, it is essential to consider their assessment alongside other species exhibiting similar behavior and ecological needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Firmino Carvalho-Roel
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Ceará (esquina com rua Amazonas), s/n, Bairro Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-302, Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Ceará, 1084, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-240, Brasil.
| | - Ana Elizabeth Iannini-Custódio
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Ceará (esquina com rua Amazonas), s/n, Bairro Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-302, Brasil
| | - Oswaldo Marçal Júnior
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Ceará (esquina com rua Amazonas), s/n, Bairro Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-302, Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Ceará, 1084, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-240, Brasil
| | - Clara Grilo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; Setor Ecologia/Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal de Lavras, 37200 000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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30
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Lepczyk CA, Fantle-Lepczyk JE, Dunham KD, Bonnaud E, Lindner J, Doherty TS, Woinarski JCZ. A global synthesis and assessment of free-ranging domestic cat diet. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7809. [PMID: 38086838 PMCID: PMC10716121 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42766-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging cats (Felis catus) are globally distributed invasive carnivores that markedly impact biodiversity. Here, to evaluate the potential threat of cats, we develop a comprehensive global assessment of species consumed by cats. We identify 2,084 species eaten by cats, of which 347 (16.65%) are of conservation concern. Islands contain threefold more species of conservation concern eaten by cats than continents do. Birds, reptiles, and mammals constitute ~90% of species consumed, with insects and amphibians being less frequent. Approximately 9% of known birds, 6% of known mammals, and 4% of known reptile species are identified in cat diets. 97% of species consumed are <5 kg in adult body mass, though much larger species are also eaten. The species accumulation curves are not asymptotic, indicating that our estimates are conservative. Our results demonstrate that cats are extreme generalist predators, which is critical for understanding their impact on ecological systems and developing management solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Lepczyk
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Jean E Fantle-Lepczyk
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Kylee D Dunham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Nunavut Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Elsa Bonnaud
- Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - John C Z Woinarski
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, 0909, Australia
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31
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Pausas JG, Álvarez-Ruiz L, Baz A, Belliure J, Benítez G, Ferrer-Gallego PP, Herrando-Pérez S, Jiménez JN, Laguna E, Mínguez E, Montagud S, Outerelo R, Roca V, Santos X, Velázquez de Castro AJ, Viñolas A, Cifuentes J, Gilgado JD. Postfire biodiversity database for eastern Iberia. Sci Data 2023; 10:872. [PMID: 38057322 PMCID: PMC10700513 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the summer of 2012, two fires affected Mediterranean ecosystems in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. The size of these fires was at the extreme of the historical variability (megafires). Animals are traditionally assumed to recolonize from source populations outside of the burned area (exogenous regeneration) while plants recover from endogenous regeneration (resprouting and seeding). However, there is increasing evidence of in situ fire survival in animals. To evaluate the effect of large-scale fires on biodiversity and the mechanism of recovery, in 2013, we set up 12 plots per fire, covering burned vegetation at different distances from the fire perimeter and unburned vegetation. In each plot, we followed the postfire recovery of arthropods, reptiles (including some of their parasites), and plants for 2 to 5 years. Here we present the resulting database (POSTDIV) of taxon abundance. POSTDIV totals 19,906 records for 457 arthropod taxa (113,681 individuals), 12 reptile taxa (503 individuals), 4 reptile parasites (234 individuals), and 518 plant taxa (cover-abundance). We provide examples in the R language to query the database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juli G Pausas
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación (CIDE-CSIC), 46113, Valencia, Moncada, Spain.
| | - Lola Álvarez-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación (CIDE-CSIC), 46113, Valencia, Moncada, Spain
| | - Arturo Baz
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josabel Belliure
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guille Benítez
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación (CIDE-CSIC), 46113, Valencia, Moncada, Spain
| | - P Pablo Ferrer-Gallego
- Direcció General del Medi Natural i Avaluació Ambiental, Generalitat Valenciana, 46018, Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Herrando-Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación (CIDE-CSIC), 46113, Valencia, Moncada, Spain
- BioCore S. Coop., Calle de Manzanares 4, 28005, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Nicolau Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación (CIDE-CSIC), 46113, Valencia, Moncada, Spain
| | - Emilio Laguna
- Direcció General del Medi Natural i Avaluació Ambiental, Generalitat Valenciana, 46018, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Mínguez
- Direcció General del Medi Natural i Avaluació Ambiental, Generalitat Valenciana, 46018, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio Montagud
- Museu [UV] Història Natural, Universitat de València, Avinguda Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100, Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Raimundo Outerelo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de CC. Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Roca
- Departament de Zoologia, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, 46100, València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Xavier Santos
- CIBIO/InBIO, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | | | - Amador Viñolas
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona. Laboratori de Natura. Coŀlecció d'Artròpodes. Passeig Picasso, s/n, E-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Cifuentes
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Cantoblanco, Spain
| | - José D Gilgado
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Bels V, Le Floch G, Kirchhoff F, Gastebois G, Davenport J, Baguette M. Food transport in Reptilia: a comparative viewpoint. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220542. [PMID: 37839442 PMCID: PMC10577028 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reptilia exploit a large diversity of food resources from plant materials to living mobile prey. They are among the first tetrapods that needed to drink to maintain their water homeostasis. Here were compare the feeding and drinking mechanisms in Reptilia through an empirical approach based on the available data to open perspectives in our understanding of the evolution of the various mechanisms determined in these Tetrapoda for exploiting solid and liquid food resources. This article is part of the theme issue 'Food processing and nutritional assimilation in animals'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Bels
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, et Biodiversité (ISYEB), UMR 7205 Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Glenn Le Floch
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, et Biodiversité (ISYEB), UMR 7205 Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Florence Kirchhoff
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, et Biodiversité (ISYEB), UMR 7205 Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - John Davenport
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Distillery Fields, North Mall, University College Cork, Ireland T23 N73K
| | - Michel Baguette
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, et Biodiversité (ISYEB), UMR 7205 Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 75005 Paris, France
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS UAR 2029, Route du CNRS, F-09200 Moulis, France
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33
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Moeller KT, Brashears JA, Davies S, Demare G, Smith GD, Brusch Iv GA, Simpson RK, DeNardo DF. Corticosterone and immune responses to dehydration in squamate reptiles. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246257. [PMID: 37955054 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Many environments present some degree of seasonal water limitations; organisms that live in such environments must be adapted to survive periods without permanent water access. Often this involves the ability to tolerate dehydration, which can have adverse physiological effects and is typically considered a physiological stressor. While having many functions, the hormone corticosterone (CORT) is often released in response to stressors, yet increasing plasma CORT while dehydrated could be considered maladaptive, especially for species that experience predictable bouts of dehydration and have related coping mechanisms. Elevating CORT could reduce immunocompetence and have other negative physiological effects. Thus, such species likely have CORT and immune responses adapted to experiencing seasonal droughts. We evaluated how dehydration affects CORT and immune function in eight squamate species that naturally experience varied water limitation. We tested whether hydric state affected plasma CORT concentrations and aspects of immunocompetence (lysis, agglutination, bacterial killing ability and white blood cell counts) differently among species based on how seasonally water limited they are and whether this is constrained by phylogeny. The species represented four familial pairs, with one species of each pair inhabiting environments with frequent access to water and one naturally experiencing extended periods (>30 days) with no access to standing water. The effects of dehydration on CORT and immunity varied among species. Increases in CORT were generally not associated with reduced immunocompetence, indicating CORT and immunity might be decoupled in some species. Interspecies variations in responses to dehydration were more clearly grouped by phylogeny than by habitat type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla T Moeller
- School of Life Sciences , Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Jacqueline A Brashears
- Natural Sciences Department, LaGuardia Community College, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
| | - Scott Davies
- Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
| | - Guillaume Demare
- Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Geoffrey D Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Utah Tech University, St George, UT 84770, USA
| | - George A Brusch Iv
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92096, USA
| | - Richard K Simpson
- Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Region, 245 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 410, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4P 3J1
| | - Dale F DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences , Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
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34
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Dgebuadze YY, Neymark LA, Bashinskiy IV, Sushchik NN, Rudchenko AE, Gladyshev MI. The Role of the Grass Snake Natrix natrix (Reptilia, Colubridae) in the Transfer of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Aquatic to Terrestrial Ecosystems to Land. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2023; 513:341-345. [PMID: 38066321 PMCID: PMC10808143 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672923700564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
As a result of analyses of fatty acid (FA) composition in the grass snake Natrix natrix and its food objects, tadpoles and metamorphs of two amphibian species: the moor frog Rana arvalis and the Pallas spadefoot toad Pelobates vespertinus, it was shown for the first time that the high total content of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in the biomass of the snakes indicates its important role in the transfer of these essential substances from aquatic ecosystems to land. It was found that, since food sources of DHA in terrestrial ecosystems are absent, its high level in R. arvalis metamorps and grass snakes may be provided only by synthesis from biochemical precursors contained in food of aquatic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu Dgebuadze
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - L A Neymark
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - I V Bashinskiy
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - N N Sushchik
- Institute of Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center," Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - A E Rudchenko
- Institute of Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center," Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - M I Gladyshev
- Institute of Biophysics, Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center," Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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Canright VR, Piaggio AJ, Chinn SM, Giglio RM, Craine JM, Beasley JC. DNA metabarcoding reveals consumption of diverse community of amphibians by invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the southeastern United States. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20889. [PMID: 38017141 PMCID: PMC10684498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are one of the most widespread, destructive vertebrate species globally. Their success can largely be attributed to their generalist diets, which are dominated by plant material but also include diverse animal taxa. Wild pigs are demonstrated nest predators of ground-nesting birds and reptiles, and likely pose a threat to amphibians given their extensive overlap in wetland use. DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples from 222 adult wild pigs culled monthly from 2017 to 2018 revealed a diverse diet dominated by plant material, with 166 plant genera from 56 families and 18 vertebrate species identified. Diet composition varied seasonally with availability for plants and was consistent between sexes. Amphibians were the most frequent vertebrate group consumed and represented the majority of vertebrate species detected, suggesting amphibians are potentially vulnerable to predation by wild pigs in our study region. Mammal, reptile, and bird species were also detected in pig diets, but infrequently. Our results highlight the need for research on the impacts of wild pigs on amphibians to better inform management and conservation of imperiled species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vienna R Canright
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.
| | - Antoinette J Piaggio
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sarah M Chinn
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Rachael M Giglio
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
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Liang D, Giam X, Hu S, Ma L, Wilcove DS. Assessing the illegal hunting of native wildlife in China. Nature 2023; 623:100-105. [PMID: 37880359 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Illegal harvesting and trading of wildlife have become major threats to global biodiversity and public health1-3. Although China is widely recognized as an important destination for wildlife illegally obtained abroad4, little attention has been given to illegal hunting within its borders. Here we extracted 9,256 convictions for illegal hunting from a nationwide database of trial verdicts in China spanning January 2014 to March 2020. These convictions involved illegal hunting of 21% (n = 673) of China's amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal species, including 25% of imperilled species in these groups. Sample-based extrapolation indicates that many more species were taken illegally during this period. Larger body mass and range size (for all groups), and proximity to urban markets (for amphibians and birds) increase the probability of a species appearing in the convictions database. Convictions pertained overwhelmingly to illegal hunting for commercial purposes and involved all major habitats across China. A small number of convictions represented most of the animals taken, indicating the existence of large commercial poaching operations. Prefectures closer to urban markets show higher densities of convictions and more individual animals taken. Our results suggest that illegal hunting is a major, overlooked threat to biodiversity throughout China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liang
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Xingli Giam
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Sifan Hu
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biological Control, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - David S Wilcove
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Yue W, Zhou Q, Li M, van Vliet J. Relocating built-up land for biodiversity conservation in an uncertain future. J Environ Manage 2023; 345:118706. [PMID: 37536125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Land use changes associated with habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation exert profoundly detrimental impacts on biodiversity conservation. Urban development is one of the prevailing anthropogenic disturbances to wildlife habitat, because these developments are often considered permanent and irreversible. As a result, the potential benefits of built-up land relocation for biodiversity conservation have remained largely unexplored in environmental management practices. Here, we analyze recent built-up land relocation in Shanghai and explore how such restoration programs can affect future land change trajectories with regards to biodiversity conservation. Results show that 187.78 km2 built-up land in Shanghai was restored to natural habitat between 2017 and 2020. Further simulation analysis highlights that relocating built-up land can substantially promote conserve biodiversity. In particular, there would be less habitat loss, better natural habitat quality and more species habitat-suitable range under the scenarios with built-up land relocation. Species extinction assessment suggest that amphibians, mammals, and reptiles will all have an increasingly high extinction risk without built-up land relocation. However, there will even be a marginal decrease in extinction risk over time for mammals and reptiles if the relocation of built-up land is permitted, but still a moderate increase in extinction risk for amphibians. This study highlights the importance of incorporating rigorous conservation planning prior to development activities, thereby underpinning a sustainable approach to environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenze Yue
- Department of Land Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiushi Zhou
- Department of Land Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Land Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
| | - Jasper van Vliet
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Kwak ML, Jones MD, Harman MEA, Smith SN, D'souza A, Knierim T, Barnes CH, Waengsothorn S, Amarga AKS, Kuo CC, Nakao R. The East Indies reptile tick Amblyomma helvolum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), taxonomy, biology and new host records, including the first record of human infestation. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102224. [PMID: 37422945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma helvolum is a widespread, generalist ectoparasite of reptiles in the oriental region, and has the potential to become highly invasive should it be inadvertently introduced outside its native range through the exotic pet trade. All life stages of A. helvolum are re-characterised morphologically and the first examples of nanism (dwarfism) and gynandromorphy (male and female tissue in one animal) for the species are described. Eighteen new hosts records are presented for A. helvolum, including the first case of human infestation. The taxonomy, distribution, ecology, phenology, disease associations, and invasion biology of the species are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Kwak
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 9 Chome Kita 18 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Max D Jones
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, VA, United States
| | - Madison E A Harman
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Samantha N Smith
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Anji D'souza
- Sakaerat Enviromental Research Station, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Tyler Knierim
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Curt H Barnes
- Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics, School of Science, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Surachit Waengsothorn
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Ace Kevin S Amarga
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 9 Chome Kita 18 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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Norris DO. Thyroid and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2023; 339:869-877. [PMID: 37522483 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between the thyroid gland and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles has been studied for more than 100 years. Most studies suggest a positive involvement of thyroid hormones with some aspects of reproduction, but some studies support a negative role for thyroid hormones at certain life stages. Comprehensive studies of gene activation/suppression by thyroid hormones and their absence at various levels of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis coupled with observations of adrenocorticoid activity, reproductive performance, and metabolic involvement are needed to understand this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Norris
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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Mooney A, Ryder OA, Houck ML, Staerk J, Conde DA, Buckley YM. Maximizing the potential for living cell banks to contribute to global conservation priorities. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:697-708. [PMID: 37283210 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although cryobanking represents a powerful conservation tool, a lack of standardized information on the species represented in global cryobanks, and inconsistent prioritization of species for future sampling, hinder the conservation potential of cryobanking, resulting in missed conservation opportunities. We analyze the representation of amphibian, bird, mammal, and reptile species within the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Frozen Zoo® living cell collection (as of April 2019) and implement a qualitative framework for the prioritization of species for future sampling. We use global conservation assessment schemes (including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Alliance for Zero Extinction, the EDGE of Existence, and Climate Change Vulnerability), and opportunities for sample acquisition from the global zoo and aquarium community, to identify priority species for cryobanking. We show that 965 species, including 5% of all IUCN Red List "Threatened" amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles, were represented in the collection and that sampling from within existing zoo and aquarium collections could increase representation to 16.6% (by sampling an additional 707 "Threatened" species). High-priority species for future cryobanking efforts include the whooping crane (Grus americana), crested ibis (Nipponia nippon), and Siberian crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus). Each of these species are listed under every conservation assessment scheme and have ex situ populations available for sampling. We also provide species prioritizations based on subsets of these assessment schemes together with sampling opportunities from the global zoo and aquarium community. We highlight the difficulties in obtaining in situ samples, and encourage the formation of a global cryobanking database together with the establishment of new cryobanks in biodiversity-rich regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mooney
- Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Natural Sciences, Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Species360 Conservation Science Alliance, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
| | - Oliver A Ryder
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, Escondido, California, USA
| | - Marlys L Houck
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, Escondido, California, USA
| | - Johanna Staerk
- Species360 Conservation Science Alliance, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Dalia A Conde
- Species360 Conservation Science Alliance, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Yvonne M Buckley
- School of Natural Sciences, Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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De la Fuente MF, de Araújo BMC, da Silva Policarpo I, Pereira HM, Borges AKM, Vieira WLS, Pereira Filho GA, Alves RRN. Keeping reptiles as pets in Brazil: keepers' motivations and husbandry practices. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2023; 19:46. [PMID: 37865770 PMCID: PMC10590521 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-023-00618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reptiles are considered one of the most popular pets in the world and are often associated with an incorrect belief that they are simple, highly adaptable, and easy to keep animals when compared with other pets, such as dogs and cats. However, keeping reptiles as pets can pose several challenges in meeting their needs in a domestic setting, requiring specific conditions and effort to maintain their health, well-being, and survival. METHODS During 2015, using online semi-structured questionnaires applied to 719 Brazilian pet reptile keepers who participated in online groups of reptile breeders on the social network Facebook, this study aimed to identify Brazilian keepers' motivations for maintaining reptiles as pets, investigate their monthly expenses, and the husbandry practices for the maintenance, such as housing and feeding conditions, handling of the animal, health issues, and treatment provided. RESULTS We found multiple motivations for keeping reptiles as pets (mostly snakes, lizards, and chelonians), the main motivation being emotional reasons, followed by entertainment and convenience reasons. The great majority of keepers (69%) declared to spend less than or up to US$30 per month in maintaining their reptiles. Most reptiles were kept alone in terrarium/aquarium enclosures, with basic environmental complexity in terms of physical elements. Lizards and chelonians were fed with a few insect species, cultivated fruits and vegetables, while snakes were fed mainly with domestic rodents, rabbits, or birds. Keepers declared frequent cleaning of the enclosure, but inappropriately handled their animals directly with their hands, which might result in potential threats to human and reptile health and safety. Several diseases or injuries were mentioned and 55.6% of the keepers declared taking the reptile to the vet for treatment. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings revealed several challenges that reptiles face when kept in domestic environments, including issues related to housing, nutrition, and healthcare. Even though keepers demonstrated positive feelings toward their pets, suggesting a positive relationship and a willingness to provide them with proper care, it seems that without the proper knowledge and awareness, reptiles may unintentionally be kept with poor husbandry. Addressing these challenges on husbandry practices is essential for improving reptiles' welfare and promoting a responsible pet ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda De la Fuente
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil.
| | | | - Iamara da Silva Policarpo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Heliene Mota Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - Anna Karolina Martins Borges
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
- LAPEC - Laboratório de Peixes e Conservação Marinha, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Washington Luiz Silva Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Animal, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
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Gray MJ, Ossiboff RJ, Berger L, Bletz MC, Carter ED, DeMarchi JA, Grayfer L, Lesbarrères D, Malagon DA, Martel A, Miller DL, Pasmans F, Skerratt LF, Towe AE, Wilber MQ. One Health Approach to Globalizing, Accelerating, and Focusing Amphibian and Reptile Disease Research-Reflections and Opinions from the First Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease Conference. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1-7. [PMID: 37735750 PMCID: PMC10521610 DOI: 10.3201/eid2910.221899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The world's reptiles and amphibians are experiencing dramatic and ongoing losses in biodiversity, changes that can have substantial effects on ecosystems and human health. In 2022, the first Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease Conference was held, using One Health as a guiding principle. The conference showcased knowledge on numerous reptile and amphibian pathogens from several standpoints, including epidemiology, host immune defenses, wild population effects, and mitigation. The conference also provided field experts the opportunity to discuss and identify the most urgent herpetofaunal disease research directions necessary to address current and future threats to reptile and amphibian biodiversity.
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Klocek D, Grybchuk D, Tichá L, Votýpka J, Volf P, Kostygov AY, Yurchenko V. Evolution of RNA viruses in trypanosomatids: new insights from the analysis of Sauroleishmania. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2279-2286. [PMID: 37490143 PMCID: PMC10495512 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07928-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
RNA viruses play an important role in Leishmania biology and virulence. Their presence was documented in three (out of four) Leishmania subgenera. Sauroleishmania of reptiles remained the only underinvestigated group. In this work, we analyzed the viral occurrence in Sauroleishmania spp. and detected RNA viruses in three out of seven isolates under study. These viruses were of two families-Narnaviridae and Totiviridae. Phylogenetic inferences demonstrated that totiviruses from L. adleri and L. tarentolae group together within a larger cluster of LRV2s, while a narnavirus of L. gymnodactyli appeared as a phylogenetic relative of narnaviruses of Blechomonas spp. Taken together, our work not only expanded the range of trypanosomatids that can host RNA viruses but also shed new light on the evolution and potential routes of viral transmission in these flagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donnamae Klocek
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Danyil Grybchuk
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Lucie Tichá
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Alexei Yu Kostygov
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.
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Lindenmayer DB, Florance D, Smith D, Crane C, Siegrist A, Lang E, Crane M, Michael DR, Scheele BC, Evans MJ. Temporal trends in reptile occurrence among temperate old-growth, regrowth and replanted woodlands. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291641. [PMID: 37768982 PMCID: PMC10538651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are an important part of the vertebrate fauna in the temperate woodlands of south-eastern Australia. However, compared to birds and mammals, the long-term occurrence of reptiles across woodland growth types-old growth, regrowth, and replantings-remains poorly understood. Here, using 18-years of data gathered at 218 sites across 1.5 million hectares in New South Wales South West Slopes bioregion, we sought to quantify patterns of temporal change in reptile occurrence and determine if such changes varied between woodland growth types. Despite extensive sampling, almost 75% of our 6341 surveys produced no detections of reptiles. Significant survey effort exceeding 2000 surveys was needed over a prolonged period of time to record detections of 26 reptile species in our study area. Our analyses showed a temporal increase in estimated reptile species richness and abundance over 18 years. Such increases characterized all three vegetation structural types we surveyed. At the individual species level, we had sufficient data to construct models for five of the 26 species recorded. Three of these species were least commonly detected in replantings, whereas the remaining two were most often detected in replantings relative to old growth and regrowth woodland. We found evidence of a temporal increase in two skink species, a decline in one gecko species, and no change in the remaining two skink species. Although detections were consistently low, active searches were the best survey method, and we suggest using this method in habitats known to be hotspots for reptiles, such as rocky outcrops, if the aim is to maximize the number of individuals and species detected. Our findings highlight the value of all three broad vegetation structure types in contributing to woodland reptile biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Lindenmayer
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Daniel Florance
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - David Smith
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Clare Crane
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Angelina Siegrist
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Eleanor Lang
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Mason Crane
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Gundagai, NSW, Australia
| | - Damian R. Michael
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Maldwyn John Evans
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Jesper AC, Eckert SA, Bielema BJ, Ballard SR, Dreslik MJ. Phenology and predictors of spring emergence for the Timber Rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus). PeerJ 2023; 11:e16044. [PMID: 37780371 PMCID: PMC10538278 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Many temperate reptiles survive winter by using subterranean refugia until external conditions become suitable for activity. Determining when to emerge from refugia relies on the ability to interpret when above-ground environmental conditions are survivable. If temperate reptiles rely on specific environmental cues such as temperature to initiate emergence, we should expect emergence phenologies to be predictable using local climatic data. However, specific predictors of emergence for many temperate reptiles, including the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), remain unclear, limiting our understanding of their overwintering phenology and restricting effective conservation and management. Our objectives were to identify environmental cues of spring emergence for C. horridus in Illinois to determine the species' emergence phenology, and to examine the applicability of identified cues in predicting emergence phenology across the species' range. We used wildlife cameras and weather station-derived environmental data to observe and predict the daily surface presence of C. horridus throughout the late winter and early spring at communal refugia in west-central and northern Illinois. The most parsimonious model for predicting surface presence included the additive effects of maximum daily temperature, accumulated degree days, and latitude. With a notable exception in the southeastern U.S., the model accurately predicted the average emergence day for eight other populations range wide, emphasizing the importance of temperature in influencing the phenological plasticity observed across the species' range. The apparent broad applicability of the model to other populations suggests it can be a valuable tool in predicting spring emergence phenology. Our results provide a foundation for further ecological enquiries and improved management and conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Jesper
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Scott A. Eckert
- Department of Biology and Natural Resources, Principia College, Elsah, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J. Dreslik
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, Champaign, IL, USA
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Agudelo-Cantero GA, Cruz-Rodríguez EX, Lamadrid-Feris F, Ortega-Chinchilla JE. Ecophysiology of neotropical amphibians and reptiles: lessons learned from Colombia. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059959. [PMID: 37732589 PMCID: PMC10537952 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecophysiology and herpetology share a close historical relationship, but earlier work at the interface of these disciplines was carried out in temperate regions. Tropical regions like the Neotropics exhibit the highest species richness for amphibians and reptiles, but the pace for ecophysiological research on tropical herpetofauna has been slower relative to temperate counterparts. We are a group of early-career, Latin American researchers interested in the physiological diversity exhibited by neotropical herpetofauna. As such, we have engaged in the organization of the Symposium on the Ecophysiology of Neotropical Amphibians and Reptiles (ECOPHYSHERP) to integrate the scientific community interested on these topics. ECOPHYSHERP has been held three times already within the Colombian Congress of Herpetology, and collectively it has hosted >60 contributions from researchers at 26 institutions and eight countries. Participation has been diverse in terms of gender, age, and career stage, but most participants have been young undergraduate biology students. This generation of early-career researchers is producing excellent research in a broad range of topics, but difficulties to convert this research into scientific publications may exist. Identifying and contributing in order to solve such problems are priorities for this organizing committee, and also our endeavours towards ECOPHYSHERP 4.0 in Santa Marta in 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo A. Agudelo-Cantero
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo. Rua do Matão 101, Travessa 14, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erika X. Cruz-Rodríguez
- Grupo de Herpetología, Eco-Fisiología y Etología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad del Tolima, Cl 42 # 1-02 Barrio Santa Helena Parte Alta, 730006299 Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Faride Lamadrid-Feris
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Atlántico, Cra 30 # 8-49 Puerto Colombia, 080001 Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Jesús E. Ortega-Chinchilla
- Laboratorio de Fisiología, Genómica y Transcriptómica adscrito al grupo CINBIN, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Carrera 27 – Calle 9, Ciudad Universitaria, 680002 Bucaramanga, Colombia
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander. Calle de los Estudiantes # 9–82, Ciudadela Real de Minas, 680005 Bucaramanga, Colombia
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Kundu S, Mukherjee T, Kamalakannan M, Barhadiya G, Ghosh C, Kim HW. Matrilineal phylogeny and habitat suitability of the endangered spotted pond turtle ( Geoclemys hamiltonii; Testudines: Geoemydidae): a two-dimensional approach to forecasting future conservation consequences. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15975. [PMID: 37692114 PMCID: PMC10492536 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spotted pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii) is a threatened and less explored species endemic to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. To infer structural variation and matrilineal phylogenetic interpretation, the present research decoded the mitogenome of G. hamiltonii (16,509 bp) using next-generation sequencing technology. The mitogenome comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and one AT-rich control region (CR) with similar strand symmetry in vertebrates. The ATG was identified as a start codon in most of the PCGs except Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), which started with the GTG codon. The non-coding CR of G. hamiltonii was determined to have a unique structure and variation in different domains and stem-loop secondary structure as compared with other Batagurinae species. The PCGs-based Bayesian phylogeny inferred strong monophyletic support for all Batagurinae species and confirmed the sister relationship of G. hamiltonii with Pangshura and Batagur taxa. We recommend generating more mitogenomic data for other Batagurinae species to confirm their population structure and evolutionary relationships. In addition, the present study aims to infer the habitat suitability and habitat quality of G. hamiltonii in its global distribution, both in the present and future climatic scenarios. We identify that only 58,542 km2 (7.16%) of the total range extent (817,341 km2) is suitable for this species, along with the fragmented habitats in both the eastern and western ranges. Comparative habitat quality assessment suggests the level of patch shape in the western range is higher (71.3%) compared to the eastern range. Our results suggest a massive decline of approximately 65.73% to 70.31% and 70.53% to 75.30% under ssp245 and ssp585 future scenarios, respectively, for the years between 2021-2040 and 2061-2080 compared with the current distribution. The present study indicates that proper conservation management requires greater attention to the causes and solutions to the fragmented distribution and safeguarding of this endangered species in the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra (IGB) river basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Kundu
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Tanoy Mukherjee
- Agricultural and Ecological Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Gaurav Barhadiya
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Chirashree Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Hyun-Woo Kim
- Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
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Ramírez-González L, Undiano E, Flores-Pérez I, Carrillo-D'Lacoste L, Salmerón M, Verastegui A, Lara G, Monroy-Noyola A. Cu 2+-dependent hydrolysis of O-hexyl 2,5-dichlorophenyl phosphoramidate by reptile sera. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110637. [PMID: 37468116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
This study shows the EDTA-resistant, Ca2+ and Cu2+-dependent hydrolysis of O-hexyl 2,5-dichlorophenyl phosphoramidate (HDCP) compound in reptiles sera determined by spectrophotometry UV/Vis and chiral chromatography. Samples of ten reptile species were incubated with aliquot of 100 or 400 μM HDCP in presence of 100 or 300 μM Cu2+, or 2.5 mM Ca2+ or 5 mM EDTA at 37 °C for 30-60 min. The results shown an activator effect of Cu2+ on HDCP hydrolysis in freshwater turtles sera (Trachemys scripta, Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii) because the levels of 2,5-dichlorophenol (DCP; product hydrolysis) were similar (∼37 μM DCP) to chicken serum (positive control group). The marine turtles (Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata) and crocodiles (Crocodylusacutus and Crocodylus moreletii) showed ∼50% less HDCPase activity (13-17 μM DCP) compared to the HDCPase activity of the freshwater turtle species. Terrestrial reptile species (snakes and lizards) showed around 25% of activity (7-13 μM DCP) with both copper concentrations. These Cu2+-dependent hydrolysis were stereospecific to R(+)-HDCP (p˂0.05) in the three freshwater turtle species that showed similar hydrolysis to the chicken serum. However, the Ca2+ did not show a significant activating effect on the HDCPase activity (1-8 μM DCP) in any reptile serum. Their hydrolysis levels were very similar to those of EDTA-resistant activity. The present study demonstrates a Cu2+-dependent A-esterase (HDCPase) activity in turtles and points serum albumin as the cuproprotein responsible for this activity, reinforcing its N-terminal sequence (DAEH) as a catalytic center.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Undiano
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Mexico
| | - Iván Flores-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Mexico
| | | | - Mónica Salmerón
- Herpetario, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
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García‐Rodríguez A, Lenzner B, Marino C, Liu C, Velasco JA, Bellard C, Jeschke JM, Seebens H, Essl F. Patterns and drivers of climatic niche dynamics during biological invasions of island-endemic amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:4924-4938. [PMID: 37395619 PMCID: PMC10946511 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Shifts between native and alien climatic niches pose a major challenge for predicting biological invasions. This is particularly true for insular species because geophysical barriers could constrain the realization of their fundamental niches, which may lead to underestimates of their invasion potential. To investigate this idea, we estimated the frequency of shifts between native and alien climatic niches and the magnitude of climatic mismatches using 80,148 alien occurrences of 46 endemic insular amphibian, reptile, and bird species. Then, we assessed the influence of nine potential predictors on climatic mismatches across taxa, based on species' characteristics, native range physical characteristics, and alien range properties. We found that climatic mismatch is common during invasions of endemic insular birds and reptiles: 78.3% and 55.1% of their respective alien records occurred outside of the environmental space of species' native climatic niche. In comparison, climatic mismatch was evident for only 16.2% of the amphibian invasions analyzed. Several predictors significantly explained climatic mismatch, and these varied among taxonomic groups. For amphibians, only native range size was associated with climatic mismatch. For reptiles, the magnitude of climatic mismatch was higher for species with narrow native altitudinal ranges, occurring in topographically complex or less remote islands, as well as for species with larger distances between their native and alien ranges. For birds, climatic mismatch was significantly larger for invasions on continents with higher phylogenetic diversity of the recipient community, and when the invader was more evolutionarily distinct. Our findings highlight that apparently common niche shifts of insular species may jeopardize our ability to forecast their potential invasions using correlative methods based on climatic variables. Also, we show which factors provide additional insights on the actual invasion potential of insular endemic amphibians, reptiles, and birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián García‐Rodríguez
- Division of BioInvasions, Global Change and Macroecology, Department of Botany and Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Bernd Lenzner
- Division of BioInvasions, Global Change and Macroecology, Department of Botany and Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Clara Marino
- Université Paris‐Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique EvolutionGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Chunlong Liu
- College of FisheriesOcean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
- Institute of HydrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Julián A. Velasco
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio ClimáticoUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoMexico CityMexico
| | - Céline Bellard
- Université Paris‐Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique EvolutionGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Jonathan M. Jeschke
- Institute of BiologyFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB)BerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB)BerlinGermany
| | - Hanno Seebens
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research CentreFrankfurtGermany
| | - Franz Essl
- Division of BioInvasions, Global Change and Macroecology, Department of Botany and Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
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Alibardi L. General aspects on skin development in vertebrates with emphasis on sauropsids epidermis. Dev Biol 2023; 501:60-73. [PMID: 37244375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
General cellular aspects of skin development in vertebrates are presented with emphasis on the epidermis of sauropsids. Anamniote skin develops into a multilayered mucogenic and soft keratinized epidermis made of Intermediate Filament Keratins (IFKs) that is reinforced in most fish and few anurans by dermal bony and fibrous scales. In amniotes, the developing epidermis in contact with the amniotic fluid initially transits through a mucogenic phase recalling that of their anamniotes progenitors. A new gene cluster termed EDC (Epidermal Differentiation Complex) evolved in amniotes contributing to the origin of the stratum corneum. The EDC contains numerous genes coding for over 100 types of corneous proteins (CPs). In sauropsids 2-8 layers of embryonic epidermis accumulate soft keratins (IFKs) but do not form a compact corneous layer. The embryonic epidermis of reptiles and birds produces small amount of other, poorly known proteins in addition to IFKs and mucins. In the following development, a resistant corneous layer is formed underneath the embryonic epidermis that is shed before hatching. The definitive corneous epidermis of sauropsids is mainly composed of CBPs (Corneous beta proteins, formerly indicated as beta-keratins) derived from the EDC. CBPs belong to a gene sub-family of CPs unique for sauropsids, contain an inner amino acid region formed by beta-sheets, are rich in cysteine and glycine, and make most of the protein composition of scales, claws, beaks and feathers. In mammalian epidermis CPs missing the beta-sheet region are instead produced, and include loricrin, involucrin, filaggrin and various cornulins. Small amount of CPs accumulate in the 2-3 layers of mammalian embryonic epidermis and their appendages, that is replaced with the definitive corneous layers before birth. Differently from sauropsids, mammals utilize KAPs (keratin associated proteins) rich in cysteine and glycine for making the hard corneous material of hairs, claws, hooves, horns, and occasionally also scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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